Dolgeville Theater League to present ‘Now Is The Hour’

The Dolgeville Theater League is getting ready for their first performance of the show “Now Is The Hour.”

The story is of a World War II veteran, thinking back to the day when he was a young man drafted into the U.S. Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The storyline goes through some of the trials of the servicemen and women. It also shows the lives of those left behind at home. The second act is a USO show with Bob Hope, played by Web Bange, and features some celebrities of the 1940s.

The show, written and directed by Lois Carter, of Dolgeville, is done in memory of her son, John Joseph Ashe, who died six years ago. He was a 1990 graduate of Dolgeville Central School. Carter had done shows in the past for the Dolgeville Lion/Lioness Clubs and wanted to continue the shows in the community.

“I have always loved living in Dolgeville and the people from Dolgeville and surrounding communities have always been very supportive,” said Carter in a news release. “My son, John, always encouraged me to pursue this dream but life chose other paths for a time. About one and a half years ago, I realized I needed to ‘go for it’ and start writing shows.”

Carter said this show was written through the inspiration of stories from her husband, Harry “Bud” Carter, a World War II veteran.

“It hasn’t been an easy process,” she said. “So many people have said they wished we still had the shows like we did in the past. But finding people to come out to act, sing or play music hasn’t been an easy process. I’m in hopes that after this show, others will feel uninhibited and join the league to do an occasional show.”

Carter said with the help of Angela Bange she has been able to get the choreography and prompting done for the show. “I was blessed in finding someone like her,” she said. “She has given 110 percent in making the show come to fruition.”

Carter also thanked Patty Frobel who “went out through the community to collect ads for support of the show.”

“I am nervous and excited about the show,” said Carter. “We all pray for total success.”

Page 2 of 2 - Performances will take place Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Dolgeville High School auditorium. Tickets will be $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children ages five and younger. World War II veterans will also be admitted free of charge. The performances will support the Dolgeville Food Pantry. Organizers ask attendees bring a nonperishable food item for donations.

Carter said they plan to honor all veterans at the show with their branch of service song or anthem. For more information, contact Carter at 429-3506.